Bannerman's Castle

Bannerman's Castle is located on Bannerman's Island (a/k/a Pollopel Island) in the Hudson River, a few miles south of the Beacon-Newburgh Bridge. The castle was built as a weapons arsenal by Francis Bannerman VI, a businessman who dealt in military surplus from the Spanish-American war. Today, the island is owned by Hudson Highlands State Park.

Update! (12/29/09)

I received some sad news from Rob Yasinsac the other day: A significant portion of Bannerman's Castle collapsed sometime last weekend. There's a huge piece missing from the main tower (built in 1909), which no doubt makes the entire structure dangerously unstable.

This is very unfortunate and unexpected. I recently heard the Bannerman's Castle Trust was trying to preserve one of the towers on the breakwater which is in imminent danger of falling into the river. Every year, these structures crumble a bit more because there isn't enough money to preserve them.

Pictures

• 3/4 view of castle
• Sleeping porch inside mansion
• Side view of castle, showing bent girders
• View of castle from the breakwater
• View of castle from the river
• Another 3/4 view of castle
• Front view of castle
• Castle wall and turret
• Back wall of castle
• Interior of lodge
• Portcullis in front of castle

Links

• Bannerman's Castle Trust, Inc.
• Bannerman Island History: A Hudson River Jewel
• Hudson Valley Ruins
• Bannerman's - The Haunted Isle
• Forgotten New York
• Mt. Beacon Incline Railway Restoration Society